Bulgari’s New High Jewellery Collection Toasts To The Italian Art Of Partying

Over 100 high jewellery pieces of the La Festa celebrate Italian festivals, historical ladies and symbols of happiness.

La dolce vita – an Italian term coined for ‘the sweetness of life’ – is the very essence of the Italian culture rooted in celebration, passion and love. This sentiment is depicted in the new Bulgari high jewellery collection, La Festa, a luxurious range honouring Italian art de vivre and festivity.

Over 100 jewels and luxury watches were created as homage to the country’s world-famous celebrations that take place in palaces, streets, squares and canals throughout the year. Festivals, historical ladies and simple party pleasures inspire are the cornerstones of this collection, which Bulgari brought to life with its expertise in coloured gemstones.

Festive flair

The palio collection of Siena's ancient horse race

A signature festivity of Siena, the ancient horse race Palio is the centerpiece of this Italian tradition range. The 17 colours representing the participating cotrades (or districts) inspire these two lines, specifically the la pantera and la Lupa, in brooches studded with diamonds, rubies and onix, along with horses of the race. The Tarantella dance fest is also immortalised in the form of spiders that take shape in necklaces and two sautoirs, while the dance; incorporated in bracelet and earrings.

The sweet life

The dainty delights of candy is a delightful feature to the La Festa collection

What’s a celebration without sweet delectables? Like candy is to a child, jewellery is a dainty and colourful pleasure to an adult. The Festa collection cleverly uses tourmalines, turquoises, coral and jade, to bring cakes, ice cream and sweets to real life. Precious stones produce confectionaries in shapes of rings and brooches. Balloons come in gold and diamond necklaces and earrings.

Rome’s femme fatales

Historical iconic ladies of Rome are honoured with collections featuring their favourite jewels

Roman culture is steeped in grand festivities, and its historical ladies and princesses too are fabled for their opulent balls. More than 30 pieces are an ode to their beauty, passions and taste. Among these fine creations is the Royal Pearls of emeralds dedicated to Maria Mancini, and her fabulous jewel collection. Then there’s the passionate and dazzling Paolina Bonaparte, of whom the Il Magnifico, a 180 carat cabochon sapphire pendant and diamond necklace was made for. The most famous of Italy’s three queens, Margherita di Savoia, is paid due respect in 10 Festa jewels with her favourite diamond bows.

The grand unveil

La Festa was lanched at the Scuola Grande della Misericordia palace of Venice, in a star-studded affair hosted by Jean-Christophe Babin, Bulgari group CEO. Beautiful people including Bulgari brand ambassadors Alicia Vikander, Bella Hadid and Shu Qi, as well as VIPs like the Gettys and Arrivabene were there to experience an Italian festa done right.

Scroll through to view the spectacular guest list.

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